Costa Rica Family Vacations

Great Costa Rica Family Vacations

Costa Rica family vacations are adventures in nature. Are your parents in good condition? Have some kids over 13 who are in shape? Then how about a family outing--whitewater rafting on the Naranjo River! No doubt about it, this is a class III/IV gauntlet for experienced rafters. The river drops precipitously from the mountains, takes you through a jungle gorge, and gives you a thrilling ride to sea level!

Want something a bit tamer? On Costa Rica family vacations, you can't miss the fabulous beaches of Costa Rica, which, after all, means "rich coast." Take your choice: beaches on the balmy Caribbean, or beaches on the wilder Pacific Ocean. Why not both? This country is only 200 miles long and 200 miles wide. Costa Rica travel packages put together beach getaways that are perfect for families.

Beaches and La Comida Tipica

Whatever type of shore experience you want, Costa Rica has it. Guanacaste on the north Pacific offers 100 miles of fabulous beaches and has good swimming, world-class diving, and sport fishing. For the more adventurous families interested in absorbing local cultures, try the Limon area of the Caribbean.

Here, the small village of Puerto Viejo shows the deep influence of the indigenous Bribri Indians. You can buy their handcrafts, or take guided horseback rides into their remote reserves. Swim, surf, fish, but whatever you do, make sure to sample the local Jamaican-flavored dishes: tamales and enchiladas, of course, but venture to try chorreados (corn pancakes with sour cream); sopa negra (a cream soup with hard-boiled egg and vegetables in the bean broth); patacones (thin slices of deep-fried plantain, served like French fries).

You will find that Costa Rican food does not present the health problems found in other Central American countries. La comida tipica (native food) relies heavily on beans and rice. Eat where the locals eat for the tastiest meals!